LOVING THE BARREN

As we begin this new year, we want to lead as many people as possible to Jesus (1 Cor 9:19). If we love both the Lord and people, we will give others the greatest gift of all — life in Christ Jesus.

However, we find that many Christians have not led or even tried to lead others to Jesus. They are spiritually barren. Many people ignore this situation, but this is foolhardy, considering that the Lord has commanded us and will hold us accountable to be fruitful and multiply (Gn 1:28) and to make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19). On the other hand, a few people blame barren Christians for not trying to share their faith in Jesus (see 1 Sm 1:6-7). This attitude of blaming and shaming is counter-productive.

Possibly we can learn from Elkanah, the husband of the physically barren Hannah. When Elkanah offered sacrifice, he gave "a double portion to Hannah because he loved her" (1 Sm 1:5). Those who are spiritually unfruitful need a double portion of God's Word, prayer, and Christian community. They need to be loved into accepting and then giving God's love. "We, for our part, love because He first loved us" (1 Jn 4:19). The love of Christ will impel us (2 Cor 5:14) to share the love of Jesus with all whom we meet. Love makes us spiritually fruitful.

Prayer: Father, I will speak out of the abundance of love in my heart (Lk 6:45).

Promise: "This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand! Reform your lives and believe in the gospel!" —Mk 1:15

Praise: St. Hilary was praised by Sts. Augustine and Jerome as "a fair cedar transplanted out of this world into the Church."

(You may wish to order our booklet, Life-Changing Prayers from the Bible, as an aid to praying or our tape How to Pray the Bible on audio AV82-3 or video V-82.)

Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from December 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014.†Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2013.

The Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Imprimatur agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.